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09/01/2013
Fitness Instructor Charged With Benefit Fraud
A man who was claiming money for barely being able to walk was working as a fitness instructor.
Alan Lawson, of Bishop Auckland, was jailed for claiming almost £90,000 in benefits while he worked as a gym instructor at Newton Aycliffe leisure centre.
He took the benefit money over an eight years period after suffering a back injury which limited his walking. When he recovered he failed to inform the authorities of the change in circumstances.
The 58-year-old also found guilty at Durham Crown Court of making a false statement to obtain benefits and jailed for eight months.
He is no longer an employee at Durham County Council.
In a statement they said: "The council takes benefit fraud very seriously and we investigate and assist with any investigations where any member of staff is suspected of falsely claiming benefits."
(GK)
Alan Lawson, of Bishop Auckland, was jailed for claiming almost £90,000 in benefits while he worked as a gym instructor at Newton Aycliffe leisure centre.
He took the benefit money over an eight years period after suffering a back injury which limited his walking. When he recovered he failed to inform the authorities of the change in circumstances.
The 58-year-old also found guilty at Durham Crown Court of making a false statement to obtain benefits and jailed for eight months.
He is no longer an employee at Durham County Council.
In a statement they said: "The council takes benefit fraud very seriously and we investigate and assist with any investigations where any member of staff is suspected of falsely claiming benefits."
(GK)
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